AUSTIN (KXAN) — Two Austin-area massage parlors were shut down Tuesday after the establishments were suspected of human trafficking, according to the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR).
TDLR said it issued six-month emergency closure orders for Rejuve Wellness LLC, located at 1704 San Antonio St., and Bibo Spa LLC, located at 2301 W. Parmer Lane, Ste. D. KXAN searched both businesses online and found their websites were no longer active as of the time of publication.
According to officials, at Rejuve Wellness, investigators found unlicensed massage therapists and sexual services being provided, as well as proof the location was featured in online advertisements with detailed sexual content.
TDLR said investigators found evidence Bibo Spa was also featured in online advertisements with sexual content. Online reviews also discussed sexual services the reviewers had received, according to state officials.
At Bibo Spa, investigators also found employees were living in the establishment.
“An employee at the establishment told investigators that the owner was forcing her to offer sexual services to customers and held debts that forced employees to continue working for the owner,” TDLR said.
House Bill 3579, which went into effect Sept. 1, 2023, permits TDLR’s executive director to issue an emergency order halting the operation of any massage establishment if law enforcement or TDLR believes human trafficking is occurring at the establishment.
Anyone who suspects human trafficking is occurring can contact the National Hotline for Human Trafficking at 1-888-373-7888 or text HELP or INFO to BeFree (233733). If the situation is an emergency or you believe someone is in immediate danger, call 911 and alert the authorities.
